The US is experiencing an outbreak of a respiratory illness that has sent hundreds of children to the hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tested a number of these cases and found they were a type of enterovirus called EV-D68, a virus that has been previously reported to cause severe disease in a few individuals. Enteroviruses of various types cause about 15 million infections each year in the US, usually in the late summer or early fall. This year's outbreak includes a new type that has been associated with unusually severe respiratory disease in some children.Enteroviruses are spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as touching objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. The best way to prevent the spread of enterovirus (as with any virus) is washing your hands. The majority of children with EV-D68 have mild symptoms and can be managed as if they have the common cold. Please note that the ED is not routinely testing for EV-D68, as it is treated the same as any other virus. Severe cases are typically found in children with asthma (even some without a prior history of wheezing). Some of these cases require hospitalization, and even treatment in the ICU. The CDC is currently investigating a possible connection between this outbreak of EV-D68 and new complications seen in some children who are experiencing arm and leg weakness.You should call us if your child has had a high fever and cold symptoms lasting longer than 7-10 days. Please go directly to the emergency room if your child is having difficulty breathing. Also remember that the EV-D68 is not the flu and we recommend the flu shot to prevent against the flu virus. We are now booking for flu clinics!